Spurs are a great way to add flair to your boots. They come in many different styles and shapes, but how do you put them on? In this article, you will learn how to put spurs on boots.
Spurs are an important part of any cowboy’s attire. They can be used to spur on a lazy horse or just be used for decoration. Putting spurs onto boots is not the easiest thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to take hours either!
So, how do you put spurs on boots? There are many ways to do this, and this article will give you a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Why Do You Need Spurs on Your Boots?
Spurs are part of the cowboy’s attire, just like cowboy boots, jeans, and hats. However, Spurs are not just for decoration! You can use a spur to encourage a lazy horse to move or guide the horse in the right direction.
Spurs also help to balance out your legs while riding. They allow you to grip the stirrups and balance them much easier. This is important when you are trying not to fall off of a wild mustang!
A spur can also be used as a defense mechanism. While you may not want to fight off a band of outlaws, it is always best to be prepared.
Where Do You Put Spurs on Your Boots?
There are many different places where you can attach your spurs to boots.
- The main place is right below the knee. Spurs with bigger rowels tend to go here, and this is where they will give the most balance out of all the other attachment spots.
- Another good spot for spurs is on the heel of your boot. This helps guide a horse in a forward direction by adding pressure onto its back end. It might take some getting used to because you have to pivot your foot slightly to use it properly, but it is a great spot for experienced riders.
- Finally, you can also put spurs on the side of your boot. This is a good place to put them if you are riding a horse that likes to wander off the trail. The spurs will help to keep the horse in line without having to use your hands as much.
How to Put Spurs on Boots – The Basics
Now that you know some of the different places to put spurs on boots, it is time to learn how to do it! The following instructions will show you easy steps on how to put spurs on boots the traditional way.
Step 1: Attach Spur Straps
The first thing you need to do is attach the spur straps. These are the pieces of leather that will hold your spurs onto your boots. You can get these at any store that sells cowboy attire or most Western wear shops.
Unbuckle the strap and feed one end into the slot on your boot next to the rowel arm. The other end should be sticking out where you want it to be attached. Once this strap is in place, re-buckle it so that it is tight around your leg. Do this for both legs if you are wearing two spurs!
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Step 2: Attaching Spurs & Priming Rowels
Once they are strapped on tightly, you can attach your spurs. Open the arm of the spur so that it has a wide enough gap to fit your nails in. Then, use pliers to bend down the little arms on the inside of the arm.
Once this is done, take some primer and paint over these little arms. This will help them hold onto the boots better when used for spurring or guiding a horse! Remember to prime on both sides!
Step 3: Securing the Spurs
Now that your spurs are primed and ready to go, it is time to secure them in place! Take the screws that came with your spurs and screw them into the holes on the rowel arm. Be sure to tighten them well so that they don’t come loose while you are riding!
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Step 4: Cutting Spurs Off at Correct Length
When putting spurs onto boots, always cut them off at an appropriate length before wearing them out in public. If you leave too much leather hanging out from under your jeans, it could get caught in between spurs while riding! You also don’t want the rowel to hit the ground while you are walking around.
To cut them off, use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to cut off the excess leather. Be careful not to cut into the metal itself! Snip it off as close to the rowel as possible.
Step 5: Testing Them Out
Finally, it is time to test out your new spurs! Mount your horse and get ready to ride! You will probably need to adjust them a few times until they feel comfortable, but once you have them adjusted, they should be good to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are boot Spurs illegal?
Boot spurs are not illegal. However, they should only be used by experienced riders who know how to use them correctly. They can cause harm if used incorrectly.
Do Spurs point up or down
Generally, spurs will point down when attached to boots. This helps keep them in place and prevents them from getting caught on things while you are riding.
However, there are some occasions where you might want them to point up – for example, if you are riding a show horse and want to add some extra flair to your performance! In this case, you can attach the spurs so that the rowel points upwards.
Do Spurs hurt the horse?
Spurs are actually designed to help the horse by correctly using them. They are meant to be used lightly on the horse’s side to guide it in the right direction without causing any pain.
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However, they should only be used by experienced riders who know when and when not to use them!
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As you can see, it is not too hard to put spurs on boots.
With a little bit of practice, and with the help of this guide on how to put spurs on boots, you will be able to master it in no time!
Just be sure to always cut them off at the correct length and tighten the screws to avoid coming loose. And most importantly, have fun!